CATALYST Workshops

Life Drawing - 2002

12 attended the workshop. They came from wide ranging backgrounds - some studying on the BA and Access courses at Portsmouth University, some graduates one highly qualified scientist, some with very little previous experience of drawing. There was a wide age range from diverse areas of the city and one partially disabled student.   The workshop began with a discussion on the plan for the day followed by slides. Warm up exercises using various drawing techniques followed for approx half an hour and then drawing from the skeleton for a short while to understand the structure of the body. The life model was then used for the poses as described on the schedule. The scientific aspect of the day was constantly borne in mind with reference to the skeleton and physiology and anatomy charts.   A 'hanging' and discussion of the work done took place during the tea break at 4.30. We then used the remaining time for a longer pose, followed by another group discussion and viewing of the work. The feedback forms generally convey the enthusiasm and learning that took place. The students enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with different ways of drawing and face new challenges. One student (aged 60) comments that she had been encouraged to release her reserve and therefore allow creativity to take place. One 79 year old student has described how the workshop increased her confidence and appreciated how ideas were generated by discussion within the group. One student (aged 60) comments that the work changed her long term belief in her inability to draw to an assertive, positive attitude that now she can . Most students asked about repeat workshops.   The feedback forms indicate no dissatisfaction with the course, the exception being that one student has said that the lack of colour materials 'could be improved upon'. This had been specifically designed as a drawing without colour experience in order that students could concentrate on the structure of the human body without the added complication of colour and students were made aware of this in the introduction to the course. The workshop was oversubscribed, enthusiastically attended and participation through group interaction a great success.